Economic analysis of solid organ transplantation: a review for policy makers

Solid organ transplantation has advanced over the past decade to the point at which it is now a realistic form of treatment for irreversible failure of many vital organs. While organ transplantation is becoming increasingly successful, the cost of the procedures is still very high. As with all high cost medical procedures, decisions need to be made about the cost-effectiveness of solid organ transplantation. A review of the available literature with respect to the quality of life of the patient and the economic evaluation of transplantation, subdivided in regard to specific organs, is presented. A number of issues which need to be taken into account and reinforced when contemplating policy decisions based on the economic evaluation of solid organ transplantation are then discussed.